Looking to upgrade your Jeep Cherokee with a roof rack? Before making a purchase, you need to consider the right type and fit for your car. This guide will help you make an informed decision and select the best roof rack for your vehicle. You’ll be ready to hit the roads in no time!
Before buying the right roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee, it is important to understand the different types of roof racks available and how they work. With a better understanding of the various options, you will be better able to make a selection that fits your requirements and budget. This complete guide provides an overview of the different components, installation methods, as well as helpful tips on choosing the correct roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee.
A roof rack does more than just add style to your vehicle. It also provides additional cargo space that can be used for camping gear or even spare tires. Depending on your Jeep’s model year, some combinations may require extra parts for a secure fitment.
In this guide we will discuss in detail all these topics related to choosing and installing a suitable roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee:
- Types of Roof Racks
- Roof Rack Measurements
- Roof Rack Mounting Types
- Steps For Installing A Roof Rack On Your Vehicle
- Choosing The Right Roof Rack For Your Vehicle
Read ahead to learn more about all these necessary aspects related to finding and fitting the right roof rack onto your jeep!
Explanation of the importance of choosing the right roof rack for a Jeep Cherokee
A roof rack is an important accessory for any vehicle, especially Jeeps. Besides providing an extra storage option and protecting the cargo from the elements, a roof rack ensures that you have the required gear for long trips and difficult terrains. It also helps keep your Jeep organized and looking good. However, it is important to select the right roof rack for a Jeep Cherokee as not all roof racks fit all Jeep models.
Choosing the right roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee will help you find a sturdy, reliable framework that can handle tough terrain and changing weather conditions while also ensuring adequate preparation for journeys of different types. To make sure you are getting the best deal possible, be sure to look at reviews of different products for durability and convenience features — this will help ensure that your purchase will provide the most value in terms of quality and price. The following points will guide you through what matters when shopping for a roof rack that’s perfect for your needs:
- Understand What Roof Rack You Need:
2. Check For Compatibilities:
3. Look For Durable Materials:
4. Check Rack Accessories Availability:
5. Choose A Rack That Meets Your Budget Requirements
Brief overview of the guide
This guide provides readers with a comprehensive overview of selecting the right roof rack for their Jeep Cherokee. It covers the basics, including what type of roof rack is best suitable for your vehicle, materials and design considerations, mounting styles, and available features. Additionally, this guide includes pointers on what to look for when purchasing a roof rack from an automotive aftermarket store.
By careful consideration of all the information included in this guide, readers can make their own informed decision when choosing the best roof rack for their Jeep Cherokee.
Roof Rack Capacity
When considering a roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee, you will want to consider what you will use the roof rack for, as well as its capacity. It is important to note that the capacity of a roof rack includes both its upfront weight load limit and its side-to-side balance limit. Some common items to store on a roof rack include bikes, boards, kayaks, and more. Roof racks are generally rated according to weight limits and suggested item dimensions.
In terms of calculating total capacity for your Jeep Cherokee’s roof top cargo carrier, ensure that the combined weight limits of individual components do not exceed the overall weight limit of your vehicle’s existing mechanical structure. The crossbar spread or side-to-side width distance between two cargo carriers plays an essential role in providing structural stability when loading items onto your vehicle’s rooftop cargo carrier. If two or more connection points are too far apart or too close together, the risk of exceeding both the weight bearing capabilities and overall balance can increase substantially under certain conditions such as cornering or accelerating quickly.
Weight Capacity
When selecting the right roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee, one of the most important aspects to consider is weight capacity. Before purchasing a roof rack for your vehicle, it’s important to make sure that it has a high enough weight capacity to comfortably carry all of the loads you plan on taking with you whenever you take your Jeep out on an adventure. You’ll want to ensure that the roof rack is capable of placing enough strain on support load points and properly distributing weight across its mounting bars.
In general, typical rooftop racks range in their weight capacities between 110 lb / 50 kg and 220 lb /100 kg which should be more than enough for some camping gear, luggage or even canoes or kayaks. Depending on your specific needs and chosen model, some racks may come with greater maximum capacities. Make sure to always check the product label before making a purchase to make sure that it can accommodate everything you need it to safely and securely transport.
Size and Shape
When selecting a roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee, it is essential to make sure that you have the correct size and shape. The size of the load bars will determine how much weight can be safely transported, while the shape of the crossbars is directly related to your vehicle’s roof mount configuration. Roof rack bars are usually measured in either millimeters or inches, with shorter bars being used for kayaks and larger longer bars used for carrying lumber or other cargo. Most rack manufacturers list their measurement specifications in both metric and imperial (inches) which makes it easy to select the proper size.
The shape of modern automotive roof racks varies from round, square, oval, and aero aerodynamic types. Round crossbars lack internal routing channels due to their circle shape but provide the most cost-effective solution since they are lighter than aero alloy or flat plastic crossbars. Square crossbars offer more structural strength than round varieties since four sides bear weight in comparison to two on round models; however, this type of bar does not fit as close to your car’s rooftop as oval styles making them less streamlined and aerodynamic at higher speeds. Aero-style crossbars are designed with an aerodynamic front edge that reduces wind drag noise helping you achieve greater fuel economy when you’re on the open road. Lastly, oval-shaped racks provide a great solution when certain sections need extra support such as motorcycle carriers whereas others may not require it; this allows flexibility in design while providing adequate cargo anchoring points when needed most!
Compatibility with Jeep Cherokee
It is important to choose a roof rack that will be compatible with your Jeep Cherokee, as this ensures that it fits securely and works properly. The good news is that there are several companies producing high-quality racks specifically designed to fit Jeep Cherokees, so you don’t have to settle for buying a generic rack from a store.
Some of the key features you should look for when buying a rack for your Jeep Cherokee include:
-Compatibility with factory hardware: Many racks on the market are designed to work with factory equipment, meaning they do not require any additional drilling or modifications, thereby saving time and resources. -Resistance to weathering: Make sure the rack you choose can stand up to outdoor elements like wind and rain by being corrosion resistant and made of high quality material such as aluminum or stainless steel. -Strength: Check the weight capacity of the roof rack in order to ensure it can hold any cargo you plan on carrying and won’t become damaged due to the extra weight. The roof racks should also have enough load carrying capacity for any accessories you plan on attaching such as kayaks and bike stands. -Easy installation: Look for a roof rack system that is easy to install without requiring extra tools or professional help. Additionally, if the system requires adjustment over time make sure it can be easily adjusted without requiring extra equipment or manual labor.
Roof Type
When selecting a roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee, it is important to consider the type of roof that your vehicle has in order to determine the best mounting system. Generally, most Jeeps will feature either a factory-installed hardtop or soft top. If you are unsure of the specific type of rooftop you have on your vehicle, take a look at manufacturer specifications or consult a car specialist.
In order to mount a roof rack on either type of roof securely and safely, it is critical to choose the right hardware and accessories. Soft tops require specialized fit kits that bolted securely onto the exterior of your Jeep Cherokee. Meanwhile, hardtops require special clamps that attach directly onto the pre-existing rooftop rails.
To ensure proper installation no matter the roof type, it is important to read through your roof rack’s installation instructions carefully prior to purchase and use any additional fit kits for further stability. With just enough knowledge about your Jeep Cherokee roof type and with our expert guide below, you can install an appropriate roof rack in no time!
Mounting Options
Mounting options play a crucial role when it comes to choosing the right roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee. Roof racks come with either permanent mounting or removable mounting, depending on what works best for your vehicle and situation.
Permanent mount roof racks are securely fastened to the top of your vehicle and require professional installation for most cars. Permanent mounts are great for drivers who want ultimate peace of mind and security as this mount locks firmly in place and can withstand extreme weather conditions that might otherwise jeopardize the integrity of other types of roof racks or cargo carriers. The downside is that this mount is often more expensive than other options, but some consider it worth the cost for its strength and dependability.
Removable mounts offer more versatility since they have easy release mechanisms, making them ideal for those looking to move their cargo rack around with ease. Removable mounts are also less expensive upfront, but they can be at risk of wear-and-tear due to regularly removing them from their fasteners. This type of mounting also requires compatible fastening systems when switching between different vehicles, while permanent mounts do not have such restrictions.
Vehicle Weight Limitations
It’s important to consider the total weight of your roof rack set-up. This includes the weight of any items you plan to transport on top of your car, plus the weight of the roof rack itself. To ensure long lasting performance and safety, you must always choose a roof rack that will support both the vehicle’s load carrying capacity and its own weight.
The metal frame and bars of standard racks tend to add between 20 and 30lbs (9.07kg and 13.60kg). Note that specific rooftop accessories, such as bike racks, can also increase this number significantly. Therefore, it is always best to check with your owner’s manual or car dealership for further guidance before loading up your Jeep Cherokee.
Budget Considerations
It is important to be mindful of your budget when selecting a roof rack. Depending on the type of rack you choose, prices can vary from relatively inexpensive lift-and-lock systems to more costly custom solutions. It’s important to consider how often you plan to use your rack and the type of gear you will be carrying. As added protection, consider adding an anti-theft device or locking mechanism that are available for most racks.
When making a purchase decision, it’s wise to shop around and compare prices between retailers in order to find the best deal that fits your budget. An online retailer may have competitive discounts or deals that a local vendor may not offer. It’s also beneficial to read online reviews prior to purchasing in order to determine if the product is right for you and if it has any potential issues or defects. With careful planning and research, you’ll be able to find the perfect roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee at the best possible price!
Cost of Roof Racks
When considering the cost of a roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee, there are several factors that should be taken into account. Firstly, what type of rack will you need? Will it be basic or more elaborate? The range of prices varies depending on quality, materials used and installation costs. For example, a simple set of cross bars may only cost $100-$200 while a more elaborate system including impact-absorbing foam, aerodynamic components and special fasteners may run $500-$1000 or more. You should also consider the cost of accessories such as bike racks or boxes for storing your gear.
In addition to the actual cost of your Jeep Cherokee roof rack, you will also need to factor in maintenance expenses. While it is possible to make easy DIY repairs with a few simple tools like an adjustable wrench and screwdriver, these can add up over time if done regularly. If installing the rack requires professional help then labor charges should be factored in too. Finally, if you plan on using your auxiliary storage system frequently then the extra weight it adds could decrease your fuel efficiency and thus eventually affect the overall running costs of the vehicle.
Additional Costs for Installation and Maintenance
When considering a roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee, there are a few additional costs to consider beyond just the cost of the roof rack. First, you should factor in any installation costs that may be associated with the roof rack. In most cases, the installation will involve cutting or drilling into parts of your Jeep Cheroke’s roof, so you should make sure you have a qualified technician handle the job to ensure it is done properly and safely. The average cost for professional installation is around $100-$200 depending on what additional components you may be utilizing.
Also, many installations require some type of sealant or caulk around the mounting points of your roof rack, which can be an added expense if not included with the product. Additionally, some roof racks have moving parts like locks and latches that will need to be maintained periodically so they continue to function properly and securely. This maintenance can also add up over time and should be taken into account when deciding which type of roof rack best suits your needs.
Conclusion
When you are looking for the right roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee, there are many factors to consider. Your Jeep’s off-road capability, storage needs and size should all be taken into account when selecting a roof rack.
Consider how much weight the rack can support, how wide and long it is, what accessories are available and how easy it is to install. Additionally, pay attention to the material of construction of the roof rack and research any warranties or guarantees that come with it.
With a little bit of research and comparison shopping you can find just the right roof rack for your Jeep Cherokee.
FAQs
How do I know what size roof rack I need?
You can determine the size of roof rack you need by checking the manufacturer’s specifications and measuring the width of your vehicle’s roof.
How do I choose a roof rack?
You should consider the type of gear you want to carry, the weight capacity of the rack, the compatibility with your vehicle, and your budget when choosing a roof rack.
How do I know if roof bars will fit my car?
You can check the manufacturer’s specifications or use an online tool to determine if the roof bars will fit your car.
Are roof racks vehicle specific?
Yes, roof racks are typically designed to be specific to the make and model of a vehicle.
How many kg can a roof rack hold?
The weight capacity of a roof rack varies by model and manufacturer, but typically ranges from 50-200 kg.
What is the difference between roof rails and roof racks?
Roof rails are the raised bars that run parallel to the vehicle’s roof, while roof racks are the crossbars that attach to the roof rails to carry additional gear.
What is the difference between roof rack and crossbars?
A roof rack typically includes the crossbars, while crossbars are just the bars that attach to the roof rails to carry gear.
How much weight will my roof rack hold?
The weight capacity of your roof rack will depend on the specific model and manufacturer, but it is typically listed in the product specifications.
What are the different types of roof racks?
There are several types of roof racks including bare roof, raised rail, flush rail, and track systems.
Are roof racks universal fit?
No, roof racks are not universal fit and are typically designed to be specific to the make and model of a vehicle.
See more-